"Cukovy is a commitment to creating with intention"
We interviewed Flóra Poprádi, creative director of the Hungarian outerwear brand
November 14th, 2024
The cold has arrived, and outerwear has never been so cool. Among the brands leading the way is Cukovy, a Hungarian brand founded in 2014. We had a chat with Creative Director Flóra Poprádi—born in Budapest to a Nicaraguan mother and a Hungarian father—who shared the brand’s present, past, and future with us, including its collaboration with Italian stylist Lorenzo Posocco.
Cukovy, the Hungarian brand in the words of its Creative Director Flóra Poprádi
"Cukovy is playful, timeless, and bold," she tells us, and her enthusiasm shines through even from a distance. "The brand has evolved significantly since 2014" she adds. "In 2020, Cukovy transitioned into an outerwear brand, focusing primarily on feather-down jackets and accessories. That same year, I joined as creative director, bringing a playful touch to Cukovy while honoring its core values. This combination of focus and creativity has helped us shape a distinct identity that resonates with our audience. We’ve refined our designs, evolved our processes, and built strong relationships with local artisans. The fashion landscape has also shifted which has motivated us to continuously improve and adapt."
This context of creative growth includes the collaboration with Lorenzo Posocco. "It happened naturally," Flóra Poprádi explains. "Our paths crossed through shared contacts, and it became clear that our visions aligned. Lorenzo has a keen eye for unique style and a flair for combining unconventional elements, which made for a perfect match with Cukovy's playful, modular approach to outerwear."
Cukovy starts from Budapest and reaches the world, with awareness and responsibility
The brand's inspirations? Budapest first and foremost, but not only. "Budapest is in Cukovy’s DNA; the city’s blend of history, modern energy, and creative community inspires our approach. We love drawing from its architectural contrasts, vibrant street scenes, and unique mix of cultures. Beyond Budapest, we’re inspired by travel, art, and the beauty of nature, which all influence our designs and keep them feeling fresh and dynamic."
Cukovy's current focus? Flexibility, interchangeable parts, and unique design solutions for surprising looks, aimed at the city woman who isn’t afraid to be creative and unique, to mix opposites. Not forgetting sustainability, as there is an entire section on their website called "responsibility." "For Cukovy, responsibility means actively choosing practices that respect people and the planet," Flóra confirms. "We partner with local craftsmen, adhere to ethical labor standards, and aim to minimize our environmental impact. Responsibility is woven into everything we do - from sourcing certified materials to designing timeless, long-lasting pieces. It’s not just a policy but a commitment to creating with intention."
The relationship with consumers and the importance of playing with fashion
A commitment increasingly demanded by consumers as well. "Consumers are increasingly aware and invested in sustainability. Social media has played a big role by making information more accessible, enabling people to learn and engage with brands in a more transparent way. This shift has encouraged brands to be more accountable and has fostered a culture where consumers expect more conscious choices." Speaking of consumers, Cukovy considers their creativity by creating modular and customizable garments, designed to be mixed and personalized. "Fashion should be a form of self-expression, and at Cukovy, we want our designs to empower people to showcase their individuality. Our modular puffers reflect this belief by allowing customers to customize and adapt their look to suit their mood or the occasion."
The best is yet to come: "Looking ahead, Cukovy is focused on expanding our modular concept and finding new ways to blend style. We aim to bring our designs to a wider audience while staying rooted in our core values. We’re excited to explore innovative materials and collaborate with like-minded creatives and push forward to create an outerwear revolution."